The Vatican says it was saddened that the ordination of two new
Chinese bishops — consecrated with the approval of both China and the
Holy See — was marred by the presence of an illegitimate bishop.
In a statement Tuesday, the Vatican said the presence
of Monsignor Lei Shiyin of Leshan "created unease for the two involved
and turmoil among Chinese Catholics."
Lei is one of several Chinese bishops who have been
ordained without the pope's consent.
The dispute over bishop nominations
is the most vexing stumbling block preventing the re-establishment of
diplomatic relations.
In the statement, the Vatican said it was also
awaiting the outcome of an assembly of the official Chinese Catholic
Church and said it hoped it would give locals confidence in the
Vatican-China dialogue.